Shops Closed on January 2, Banks Remain Open

Strong growth forecasts for 2026 hinge on investment delivery, inflation control and the final stretch of EU recovery funds, raising concerns over whether ambitious targets can translate into lasting gains for incomes and productivity

Starting January 15, 2026, IRIS users will benefit from higher daily and monthly transaction limits, making peer-to-peer and professional payments faster, more flexible, and a practical alternative to traditional banking

The Independent Authority for Public Revenue (AADE) in Greece will intensify VAT refund checks, increasing targeted audits, cross-checking POS data, and reviewing suspicious claims to combat tax evasion and prevent illegal refunds.

Greece’s 2026 public holiday calendar offers only three long weekends and one four-day Easter break, with several major holidays falling on weekends resulting in a mixed outlook for workers, travelers and families planning time off

In many countries, embodying Santa Claus is taken very seriously. In Greece, Manolis Syllignakis and his “colleague” Sakis Xanthopoulos don the red suit every year and become one with the Christmas myth

Berlin has urged heightened caution for travelers to Turkey around the New Year, citing an elevated risk of terrorist attacks and advising against non-essential travel to border regions and crowded public areas

The Ukrainian leader says key drafts on a peace framework and security guarantees are nearly complete, as territorial disputes and pressure on Russia top the agenda ahead of a potential breakthrough before the New Year

From nostalgic tradition and nature-inspired warmth to playful pastel sweets and theatrical glamour, these are the decorating styles shaping homes this Christmas—where comfort, personality, and atmosphere take center stage.

The Greek Prime Minister, together with his wife and children, exchanged gifts and warm wishes for the festive season.

Prices and rents continued their established upward trend, with Bank of Greece data confirming further growth in commercial property values and rental rates in the first half of 2025.

Check labels carefully, especially expiration dates. Purchase refrigerated or frozen foods last so they reach your fridge as quickly as possible.

The final bank holiday of the festive season will be Tuesday 6 January, marking the Feast of Epiphany.

Reducing the need to visit registry offices or KEP centers in person, the new service allows Greeks to apply for birth, marriage, civil partnership, and death certificates for events that took place abroad and were registered with the Special Civil Registry before January 22, 2018

Visibly moved, His Eminence Seraphim, the Metropolitan of Piraeus, expressed his deep gratitude to the Alter Ego president, referring to an "unwavering contribution" that exemplifies a consistent way of life and not a one-off act

Looking ahead, inflation is expected to fall sharply to 2.1% in 2026, remain largely unchanged at 2.2% in 2027, and then experience a one-off increase to 2.5% in 2028.

As war, energy routes and great-power rivalries reshape the Eastern Mediterranean, Athens, Jerusalem and Nicosia revive their trilateral alliance

Turning to the ongoing farmers’ mobilizations, the Greek PM calls for an end to road blockades, warning that they are harming the economy

Retailers will also open on the last Sunday of the year, Dec. 28, giving consumers additional time to complete their purchases